Oliver update - lunged tonight

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Patches

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Have lunged the little tinker tonight in a cavesson. Last time I tried a cavesson he was very wary, having never had one used on him before.

He was a star. I was able to use the lunge whip as normal and he was very responsive to my voice. Had a couple of super speedy canters and the odd buck. Only stopped dead once but was soon turned out and trotting again.

Didn't try the bridle tonight as I wanted to leave it on a good note. We lunged for about 20 minutes with plenty of stops for pats and cuddles. I rubbed the lunge whip all over him too as well as the line. He flinched a few times but no overreaction.

After lungeing I did a tiny bit of work on the leading. He really is pants to lead as he just wants to follow behind you on a loose lead. I used insistent pressure and release to try and get him to walk forwards at my shoulder. He backed away a bit but I didn't let go of the pressure until he stepped forwards. Instant release and a big rub on his forehead. After three or four attempts he was pretty much walking at my shoulder.

All in all, I'm happy tonight.

Will try a bridle tomorrow and see how he reacts to that. Maybe there is a teeth thing going on. When the dentist came he did say he was rising 5 as he didn't have his 5 year old teeth yet. Maybe they are on their way and those of you who suggested teeth were spot on. Time will tell.
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That's good news.
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That is heartening. I do sincerely hope it's his teeth that are causing the uncharacteristic behaviour - then it's easily sorted and a good outcome. Fingers crossed. Even though you are doing exactly the right things if it is a behavioural issue. Jolly good!
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Certainly is. I feel quite relieved to see him more like his normal self. Yesterday was so out of character that it was quite frightening. It's ok when you can reason in your mind why something happened, but we just couldn't yesterday and that type of thing can start to play on your mind can't it?

I thought I'd possibly lead Hannah out on the farm dust track the first time I get her back on. Will only be 10 minutes there and back, but it'll be a start for both of them.
 
Thanks for the encouragement MM.

I'm really hopeful that he's just teething. If it's the case I can either stick a nice happy mouth in and see how he takes to that for a while or even stick to lungeing whilst they erupt.

Have left a message with the dentist who I'm sure will be able to advise me.
 
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